University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme balances core management subjects with health-specific applications. Typical modules cover health care finance and budgeting, health policy and law, organisational behaviour and leadership, quality improvement and patient safety, health care operations and supply chain, and health informatics. Students also study research methods and applied analytics to support evidence-based decision making in clinical settings.

Learning is delivered through a mix of seminars, case studies, project work and applied labs. A substantial practicum or residency with a hospital, health system, public health agency or private provider gives hands-on experience in administration and project implementation. Elective options allow deeper study in areas such as population health management, long-term care administration, managed care and health technology assessment.

Entry requirements

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, typically in a relevant discipline such as business, health sciences, public health, nursing or related fields.
• A competitive academic record. Selection committees consider the overall transcript and the context of previous study.
• Professional experience in health care or a related sector is highly valued; some applicants enter directly from undergraduate study while others apply after gaining work experience.
• Supporting materials usually include a personal statement outlining career goals, two or more professional or academic references, and a CV or résumé. Standardised test requirements vary by intake and may be optional for qualified applicants.
• International applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency according to the university’s published requirements and submit certified academic transcripts.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for managerial and leadership roles across the health sector. Common job titles include hospital or clinic administrator, practice manager, health services manager, operations director, quality improvement lead and health programme manager in public or private organisations.

Alumni also move into roles in health consultancy, payer organisations, long-term care administration, policy and planning roles in government agencies, and health technology firms where operational knowledge and systems understanding are required. The practicum experience and university networks frequently help graduates secure positions in major health systems and healthcare-focused consultancies.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers strong interdisciplinary links across medicine, public health, business and engineering, giving students access to diverse expertise and resources. Proximity to Michigan Medicine and partnerships with regional health providers create opportunities for applied projects, placements and networking with practising health administrators.

Students benefit from faculty who combine academic research with practical leadership experience, and from an active alumni community in the health sector. The programme’s emphasis on experiential learning, data-driven decision making and systems thinking equips graduates to take on operational and strategic responsibilities in complex care settings.